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Summary

The ultimate insider's guide to getting into the nation's most competitive collegesWritten by a former senior admissions officer at Harvard University, this book provides keen insights into what it takes to get into America's top schools. With the help of case studies of successful Harvard applicants, Charles Hughes II defines the goals and mission of highly selective schools. He explains the relative weight given to: Academics Extra-curricular activities Personal qualities Intangibles in the admission processHughes breaks down the components of the application, explaining the significance of each and how they are evaluated. And, drawing upon his extensive experience, he clues readers in on effective ways for applicants to improve their candidacy, including: How to prepare early in high school How to write a better application How to find the school best suited to their interests, personality, and goalsWith this essential guide, students will be able to present their talents in the best light possible, and create a winning college application.

Author Biography

Chuck Hughes is a former senior admissions officer at Harvard University, where he spent several years evaluating thousands of undergraduate applications. Currently director of academic products for Monster.com, he is a Harvard alumnus and makes his home in Boston, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

ix

Introduction

xi

Part I: College Admissions 101: What Matters to Admissions Offices

A 10,000 Foot View of Selective Admissions

3

(14)

The Long Line to Admission

3

(5)

The Admission Mission: Prepare Leaders for the Twenty-First Century

8

(2)

Universities Don't Just Admit Individuals---They Build Classes

10

(4)

Individual Assessment: The Key Criteria

14

(3)

Academic Assessment: Are Good Grades and Strong SAT Scores Enough?

17

(38)

Analyzing Academic Rigor, GPA, and Class Rank

18

(9)

Standardized Testing

27

(15)

Co-Curricular Programs and Awards

42

(6)

Academic Profile of Students Admitted to Highly Selective Colleges

48

(7)

Extracurricular Activities

55

(56)

Making a Difference on and off Campus

55

(3)

The Extracurricular Milieu

58

(2)

Depth versus Breadth of Extracurricular Commitments

60

(3)

Avoiding Tunnel Vision

63

(4)

Student Government and the Politicians of Tomorrow

67

(4)

The Great Debate

71

(2)

Music and Visual and Performing Arts: High Profile on Campus and in Admissions

73

(6)

Power of the Pen: Publications, Journalism, and Writing

79

(2)

Entrepreneurship, Business Internships, and Term-Time Work

81

(1)

Social Service and Community Involvement

82

(3)

Impact of Athletics in Admission

85

(17)

Recognized Extracurricular Programs and Positions

102

(3)

Extracurricular Profile of Students Admitted to Highly Selective Colleges